Sharpest Comebacks

Ronald Reagan vs. Walter Mondale (1984 Debate) 

A question was asked about his age during the debate. 

Reagan replied: “I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” 

Margaret Thatcher vs. Labor MP (UK Parliament, 1990) 

In a heated Commons exchange about Thatcher's leadership and her government's truthfulness, Hughes insinuated that Thatcher had misled the House regarding her policies and economic impact. 

Thatcher's Reply: “The honorable gentleman knows that the essence of being a gentleman is that one does not lie. He is no gentleman.” 

François Mitterrand vs. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (France, 1981) 

“You do not have a monopoly on heart.” Mr. Giscard 

Mitterrand’s Famous Reply: “You do not have a monopoly on heart, Mr. Giscard. You do not have a monopoly on reason either.” 

Here is my all-time favorite: 

Lloyd Bentsen vs Dan Quayle during 1988 Vice Presidential Debate 

Moderator Tom Brokaw asked Dan Quayle about his qualifications to become President. 

Quayle Replied: I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency. 

Lloyd Bentsen immediately retorted: "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy."